As the snow melts and spring showers become more frequent, the risk of flooding increases, causing potential hazards related to fuels equipment and elevators. Additionally, disruptions to major energy systems during floods may prompt people to use unsafe power generation alternatives.
TSSA advises Ontarians to stay alert to these hazards when floods occur and follow these safety tips:
- Never use outdoor fuel-fired appliances indoors, as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and other dangers.
- Keep generators away from open windows, doors, and vents when using them outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide from infiltrating living spaces.
- Avoid using portable fuel-burning devices like generators and propane BBQs in enclosed areas such as garages or covered patios, as this can lead to carbon monoxide buildup.
- Exercise caution when using commercial ventilating fans to dry out a basement, as this could create negative pressure, allowing carbon monoxide from household appliances to re-enter the home. Ensure proper ventilation during this process.
- Refrain from using elevators in flooded buildings, as water accumulation in elevator shafts or disruptions to operation could result in entrapment or injury.
Visit TSSA.org/Seasonal-Flooding-Safety to read more about seasonal flooding safety. If you're unsure about the safety of specific TSSA-regulated devices during floods, contact TSSA for assistance.
Qualified Fuels Contractor Checklist - English version
Did you know that 65% of fuels-related incidents in Ontario are attributed to issues such as substandard installation of fuel-burning appliances and poor maintenance practices?
Safety is a right, not a compromise. As we mark World Consumer Rights Day, TSSA wants to remind Ontarians about what you can do to protect yourself and loved ones from fraudulent fuels workers, otherwise known as “trunk slammers.”
In Ontario, furnaces and fuel-fired appliances must be installed and serviced by TSSA-registered contractors who employ certified and trained gas technicians. Without proper certifications and registrations, identifying and rectifying issues caused by trunk slammers can be challenging. Moreover, their work is not audited for safety compliance, potentially exposing consumers to severe consequences, such as carbon monoxide poisoning.
Spotting the Signs of Trunk Slammers
When seeking a contractor for fuels work, watch out for these red flags:
- Ontario prohibits the sale of furnaces and water heaters by door-to-door salespeople unless the homeowner has requested this or there is already a contract in place. Exercise caution when approached in this manner.
- Be cautious of businesses offering rebates and incentives supposedly approved by the government or utility companies. These may be baiting tactics. Always verify such offers directly from the source to avoid scams.
- Legitimate contractors seldom provide quotes over the phone without assessing the job on-site, nor do they demand a significant cash advance upfront. Beware of those pressuring you into making purchase decisions on the spot.
Be wary if someone claiming to be a TSSA inspector tries to sell furnaces, water heaters, or energy services. TSSA inspectors do not sell products or services and do not go door-to-door. TSSA inspectors only attend residential locations as part of an official incident investigation or when a homeowner requests a visit.
Tools to Protect Yourself from Trunk Slammers
Remember that you can take proactive steps to guard against trunk slammers when you are planning fuels work in your home:
- Verify Credentials: Qualified fuels contractors readily provide a full business address, telephone number, and customer references. Before engaging fuels contractors, use the "Look up a fuels contractor" tool on tssa.org to verify their credentials.
- Report Fraud: When you come across a fraudulent fuels worker, report them to TSSA by sending an email to: fuels_technical_services@tssa.org. As a regulator, TSSA is committed to investigating and taking legal action against unlawful operators. Your action can save others from fuels scams.
- Explore Resources: Visit TSSA’s website for additional resources and real-life scammer stories. These firsthand experiences offer invaluable insights for combating fuels scammers.
Stay fuels wise by educating yourself about trunk slammers, recognizing red flags and promptly reporting any suspicious fuels activity to TSSA.
Remember, safety is right, not a compromise.
Technical Standards and Safety Authority Launches Public Education Campaign to Combat Fraudulent Fuels Workers
Toronto, ON, March 1, 2024 – Fraudulent fuels workers, commonly referred to as ‘trunk slammers’, pose a significant threat to the safety of Ontarians by performing services at a reduced rate using substandard and unsafe materials. This Fraud Prevention Month, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is launching its fifth Trunk Slammers Awareness and Enforcement Program to urge Ontarians to hire registered and certified fuels contractors, understand how to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate fuels contractors and remain vigilant against fuels scammers by reporting them to TSSA.
As both data and incidents show, it is imperative for homeowners to engage legitimate fuels professionals for fuels-related work. According to TSSA’s historical data, approximately 65% of fuels-related incidents were caused by issues including substandard installation of fuel-burning appliances and poor maintenance practices. Furthermore, TSSA's most recent public safety report highlights an incident where improper installation of fuels appliances resulted in an explosion, injuring two Ontarians.
Under Ontario law, furnaces and fuels-fired appliances must be maintained by TSSA-registered contractors. All registered contractors are required to hire TSSA certified gas technicians who have extensive training and are qualified to perform fuels work safely. With some 9,000 registered fuels contractors and 78,000 certified professionals across the province, consumers have numerous legitimate options for fuels-related services.
As trunk slammers lack certification or registration with TSSA, neither their work, equipment nor qualifications are audited and verified by TSSA. Hiring these fuels scammers can lead to serious risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning and other harmful consequences.
“Safety is a right, not a compromise. Hiring registered fuels contractors is the right thing to do to keep you and your loved ones safe,” said Kelly Hart, Director of TSSA's Fuels Safety Program. “Before engaging any fuels contractor, always verify the contractor’s registration status using the convenient and easy-to-use lookup tool on our website.”
Hart continued, “Fuels scams are a serious issue. When you are approached by fraudulent fuels workers, report them to TSSA. TSSA is committed to investigating these reports and taking legal action against unlawful players. Reporting illegal workers is a proactive step in saving others from these scams.”
TSSA’s online resources offer tailored safety content aimed at combating fuels scams. These include a series of videos featuring practical guides from TSSA investigator about legitimate fuels workers and trunk slammers, which will be released throughout the month.
Take these steps to protect yourselves from fraudulent fuels workers:
Stay informed about trunk slammers during this Fraud Prevention Month by following TSSA on Facebook, LinkedIn and X.
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For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell Vice President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org